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Thread | Watching Arsenal Palace
at 21:54 23 Apr 2025
And thinking to myself back in Autumn/Winter when we were talking about how it was about finishing above the likes of Palace etc who were our targets to better. Seems a long time ago and quite naive now to me. How did so many of us misjudge how good most PL teams are? [Post edited 23 Apr 21:55]
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Thread | PL - 2 tiers
at 17:55 21 Apr 2025
Very soon there will be a set of teams such as us, Leeds, Sheff Utd, Leicester etc which may have squads too strong for the Championship but not strong enough for the PL as it currently stands. Just wonder how long it will be until the 2nd tier premier league division starts to get discussed again.
Obviously it significantly weakens the EFL and not something I would be in favour of, but you can see the argument start to grow as an alternative to the PL becoming a closed shop with no promotion / relegation.
If the Premier league were to expand to 2 divisions of 18 teams and assuming this season's 20 teams are part of it I wonder what the additional 16 teams would be from the EFL which would make up the rest . . . not sure whether it would be the top 16 from the champs or maybe pulling in some of the larger Lg 1 sides as well. |
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Thread | Szmodics
at 12:22 21 Apr 2025
Feel for him, ploughed his way through the lower leagues, gets his chance at PL football only to be injured for large part of season and at 30 in Sept the chance to play in the top flight again may be slipping by.
Showed he could compete at this level with his goals and work rate and was a big loss to our season, hope he gets another chance ideally with us in 26-27 after finishing championship top scorer next season. |
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Thread | Ticket for Arsenal available - NOW GONE
at 16:57 19 Apr 2025
UPDATE: This went to the first message in the inbox.
Due to family illness I am not going to the game tomorrow - I'm not a ST holder and have the ticket in email format which I can send. Block R Row I.
Cost me £41 but you can have it for £30 donation to my daughter's fund me page for her London Marathon next weekend (Action for ME).
Msg me and we can sort out.
[Post edited 19 Apr 18:11]
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Thread | Footballer contracts for beginners
at 17:46 9 Apr 2025
Worth noting that a professional footballer's contract is a reasonably complex document that typically includes various clauses, each serving a specific purpose to protect the interests of both the player and the club.
Below is a summary of some common clauses, how they work, and who generally benefits from them, and therefore who tends to request.
I considered becoming an agent back in my late 20s - and it has become much more structured since then . . . instead I now spend too much time with legal and procurement teams working through technology vendor contracts instead . . .
Duration of Contract: This clause specifies the length of time the contract is valid, often ranging from one to several years. It outlines when the contract starts and when it ends, providing clarity on the player's commitment to the club. This clause generally works in favor of the current club, as it ensures stability and control over the player’s services. The club typically requests this clause to secure the player for a set period.
Salary and Bonuses: This section details the player's base salary, payment schedule, and any performance-related bonuses. Bonuses may be tied to achievements such as goals scored, assists, or team performance, incentivizing the player to perform at their best. This clause primarily benefits the player, as it allows them to negotiate for higher earnings and rewards for their performance. Players or their agents usually advocate for favorable terms in this section.
Transfer Clause: This clause outlines the conditions under which a player can be transferred to another club. It may include a buyout clause, which specifies a set fee that allows the player to leave the club if another team meets that financial requirement. This clause can work in favor of both the current club and the player, as it provides the club with a financial safeguard while giving the player an opportunity to move if they desire. The current club typically requests this clause to maintain control over the player's future.
Release Clause:Similar to a transfer clause, a release clause allows a player to terminate their contract under specific conditions, usually by paying a predetermined fee. This gives players some control over their future and can facilitate moves to other clubs. This clause primarily benefits the player, as it provides them with an exit strategy. Players or their representatives often negotiate for this clause to ensure they have options if a better opportunity arises.
Buy-Back Clause: A buy-back clause allows a club to reacquire a player they have previously sold, usually at a predetermined price within a specified timeframe. This clause can work in favor of the selling club, as it provides them with a potential future option to bring back a player they believe has developed further after leaving. It can also benefit the player, as it offers them a pathway back to their former club if they wish to return. Typically, the selling club requests this clause to maintain some control over the player’s future, especially if they believe the player has significant potential.
Image Rights: This clause governs the use of the player's image and likeness for commercial purposes. It often stipulates how the club can use the player's image in marketing and promotional materials, and it may outline how revenue from image rights is shared. This clause typically works in favor of the player, allowing them to profit from their personal brand. Players usually request this clause to maximize their earnings from endorsements and sponsorships.
Disciplinary Clauses: These clauses outline the consequences of misconduct, such as breaches of club rules or disciplinary actions. They may specify penalties, including fines or suspension, to maintain professional standards. This clause primarily benefits the current club, as it helps uphold discipline and protect the club's reputation. Clubs typically include these clauses to ensure players adhere to expected conduct.
Injury and Medical Clauses: This section addresses the player's health and fitness, detailing the club's responsibilities regarding medical care and rehabilitation in case of injury. It may also outline how injuries affect the player's salary and contract duration. This clause can work in favor of both the player and the club, as it ensures the player receives proper care while also protecting the club from potential financial losses. Players often advocate for clear terms in this area to ensure their health is prioritized.
Termination Clause: This clause specifies the conditions under which either party can terminate the contract early. It may include provisions for mutual agreement, breach of contract, or failure to meet performance expectations. This clause can benefit both parties, as it provides a clear exit strategy if circumstances change. Typically, both the club and the player may negotiate this clause to protect their interests. |
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Thread | Seems that Juric had one objective . . .
at 11:29 7 Apr 2025
. . . and with that failed he goes immediately.
For all my frustration and disappointment this season with the PL, I feel the club is in such a better position than the other 2 doomed to relegation, and possibly a number in the Championship.
Fingers crossed for no major summer curve balls (ie McKenna leaving). |
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Thread | Is the Football League simply more fun?
at 09:22 7 Apr 2025
It’s the predictability of the Premier League that I will be happy to see the back of. The pre-match buildup feels scripted, complete with the annoying anthem and fireworks. There are brief moments when anticipation hits, and we think, this match will be the one where we unlock the magic Premier League formula, spank our opponents 3-0, and finally turn the corner. However, these moments are fleeting, lost in the surrounding marketing noise.
It turns out that losing frequently is not fun (who would have thought?). What makes it even worse is the feeling of inevitability about how we will lose again and again, even when we have been 1-0 up.
Saturday was a case in point. From about the 20th minute, it was clear we were going to lose. We had the goal but didn’t know whether to stick or twist, so we ended up stuck, lost our way, and Wolves smelled blood, rightfully winning the game.
This pattern has been evident in many games this season, with the exception of the inexplicable match against Chelsea at home, where they seemed incapable of creating effective chances. Outside of that, we managed some creditable draws against Fulham and Villa, though we were somewhat fortunate with our away wins.
For me, it is the unpredictability of sport that truly makes it exhilarating, including football—something we have especially seen in the Championship and League One. I’m not just referring to our recent promotion runs, but to the consistent surprises since the early 2000s.
The fact that one team can pull off a stunning upset against a top side one week, only to stumble against a relegation contender the next, keeps fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating each match. Just look at the Championship title race this season; Oxford beating Sheffield United would not happen in the Premier League anymore.
However, when a team consistently loses in the same manner, it drains the joy from the experience, turning hope into frustration. Winning every week in a predictable fashion can also become monotonous and strip away the thrill of competition, but for us, it has been the defeats that have stung the most.
Established teams in the Premier League now have an almost surgical way of playing the game. It feels like we are witnessing a footballing version of the Stepford Wives. We tried to be the Joanna, but ultimately failed to either push back or assimilate successfully (spoiler alert: in the Stepford Wives, Joanna eventually succumbs). Therefore, we head back down.
I am looking forward to the Championship, with its surprises, last-minute goals, and underdog victories that keep the spirit of the game alive. Let’s embrace the differences and allow them to remind us why we love football in the first place. Don’t let this year’s experience cloud that. [Post edited 7 Apr 9:26]
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Thread | As if some of our performances aren’t painful enough.
at 18:40 5 Apr 2025
We also have VAR thrown to really ruin it. It’s truly fckn awful.
This is going to sound like sour grapes but I’m really not going to miss the Premier League, the shthousery, var, inequality etc.
We’ve been a long way short of what was needed and deserve to be relegated but I’m not convinced that our performances have been the main reason I’ve not enjoyed going as much this year.
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Thread | Jude Bellingham
at 20:20 24 Mar 2025
Seems to have turned into more of a primadonna even since the summer. I find very little to like about him these days. [Post edited 24 Mar 20:26]
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Thread | Liverpool vs PSG
at 09:25 12 Mar 2025
An amazing couple of games with an incredibly high standard of football.
Was watching thinking that while we [currently] play in the same division as Liverpool we are truly worlds apart.
Bonkers. |
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Thread | Forest celebrations last night
at 10:54 4 Mar 2025
Was good to see how much last night's game meant to the Forest team and staff, judging by the way they celebrated, seemed to reflect how tough the game was.
I have felt in the last few years that the FA Cup has been repeatedly devalued, and while I know neither sides played their perceived strongest teams, the desire to win was there from both teams. |
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Thread | Buggar
at 22:20 3 Mar 2025
Huge amount of positives to take from the performance tonight though. |
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Thread | Commentary
at 21:39 3 Mar 2025
Keeps going on about Forest’s small squad? Have I missed something, do they have less than the 25 registered that everyone else is allowed? |
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Thread | Some excellent
at 19:34 3 Mar 2025
pre game flouncing on here tonight. Well done all involved. |
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Thread | Disappointing performance
at 22:35 26 Feb 2025
But not unexpected from a team devoid of confidence and a manager who is still learning and has been a little found out. Just be thankful Utd were equally poor despite having spent £500m more in the last 3 years.
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Thread | Jon Walters
at 20:30 26 Feb 2025
Just talks common sense, always good to listen to when asked to summarise or offer opinion. |
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Thread | Crazy first half
at 20:22 26 Feb 2025
I could not see us scoring 3 goals in the first half at Old Trafford. |
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